Condolences today to the family of Delmark Spence, otherwise known as dancehall artist Delus. Apparently he shot himself at his Havendale home. I remember when I first arrived in Jamaica, the NGO I was working for held a benefit for inner-city youth. We planned a concert with several dancehall artists. Delus was the only one to show up, and he was on time. The children had a wonderful time meeting him, as he stayed for awhile after to take pictures with them. He was sweet and genuine. RIP.

Found this yesterday, some campaign items from my grandfather Hyliard Chappell’s successful run as a Liberal Member of Parliament in Canada’s 1968 election. He is pictured here with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the first.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness last Friday publicly released his asset holdings. Apparently he filed the declaration to Jamaica’s Integrity Commissioner at the beginning of the month. Interesting timing, as the 18 Degrees North investigative piece on his property holdings and related taxes aired just prior to him taking this action.

According to Holness, he has assets of $415,000, down from $473,000 in 2007, when he first filed, which is required by law when someone is elected to office. As usual, unfortunately the article leaves more questions than answers. Why is Holness filing now? Why did the reporter not mention the 18 Degrees North story? Is this a common occurrence, for politicians to so publicly release their list of assets?

The article also makes mention of his property holdings, which I know Zahra Burton when to painstaking lengths to track down. Also of note is the fact that his palatial home, which is nearing completion I think (I drive by it fairly regularly to visit a friend), is worth roughly $80 million JMD, including outstanding bills for labour and construction.

In any case, if this very public display is a result of Miss Burton’s dogged, shoe leather journalism, (forgive the cliches) congratulations to her for demanding and holding a public figure to account. It is the very least a politician can do, when he or she holds the trust and confidence of the people who elected him or her, to show they are not caught in any major conflict of interest and that they are adhering to the most basic of laws and requirements of citizens of the country they govern.

Yesterday we visited the Experimental Farm in Ottawa, which is as it sounds- a research facility in the heart of the city. It is funded by the federal government and through entrance fees. There were what seemed like a million children there, and they seem to love the baby animals. It is true what they say- when you have a child you start to see things through their eyes, making everything new and fresh again. What a pleasure.

Following yesterday’s reaction to Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte’s disapproval of the U.S. Embassy flying the rainbow flag, some more reasoned reactions. This article from Loop Jamaica (a news service from Digicel) is very well written and seeks a solid range of commenters. I’m starting to be impressed with the quality of work from Loop Jamaica, which may eventually outpace the Gleaner in terms of hard news and the quality of writing.

Also check out this BBC article- the story is apparently starting to have international reverberations, which can’t be good for Jamaica’s slightly ill-fitting reputation as the most homophobic place on earth.

And here is Malahoo Forte’s about-face- perhaps some PR people got ahold of her?

“The second part of my tweet has been misconstrued. The horrible act of terror which resulted in so many deaths can never be condoned. I condemn it unreservedly and repeat my expression of deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims and their families,” she said, adding that “the incident provides another opportunity for deep reflection and introspection”.

“Among the multiple issues are gun control, radicalisation, treatment of differences – be they religious, sexual orientation or otherwise. These are tough issues to handle.

“Here in Jamaica we have so much work ahead of us to reorder our society. We need everyone on board. Personally, I respect and celebrate our differences as people and see them as reflective of our humanity. Professionally, I’m sworn to uphold and defend the constitution and laws of Jamaica. In both spheres I remain a sincere advocate for fair and proper treatment of everyone. And I will never condone the use of violence to deal with our differences,” she said.

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston flew the stars and stripes half mast yesterday, with the addition of the rainbow flag, which is of course symbolic of the LGBTQ community. They flew them in an expression of grief and solidarity with the victims of the shootings in Orlando. We are all victims.

But Jamaica’s Attorney General, Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, was not in support of this expression. Despite the fact that the Embassy is on U.S. territory and therefore sovereign. It also seems in poor taste and with poor timing. What was the point? It is now a time to mourn, not to politicize or moralize.

An entire industry devoted to the needs of tiny people. Just a little overwhelming.

We are in Canada. It is cold and busy.